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Lawrence A. Kimpton Fellows Program

About the Program

The Lawrence A. Kimpton Fellows Program provides paid, year-long employment fellowships for recent graduates of the College. These full-time, substantive opportunities will give students the skills and experience they need to launch a fulfilling career in their field of choice. The program is named in honor of Lawrence A. Kimpton, who served as chancellor of the University (the title formerly used for the University’s chief executive) from 1951-1960 and championed providing robust experiences for students both inside and outside of the classroom.

Program Benefits

The Kimpton Fellows Program offers opportunities with a highly diverse range of organizations, including for-profit companies, nonprofits, government agencies, research and philanthropic institutions, educational organizations, and social service providers. All positions are paid and include benefits.

In addition to their fellowship opportunities, all Kimpton Fellows will participate in professional development seminars organized with partner programs at Northwestern University and Princeton University that will teach fellows how they can take advantage of their fellowship experience to pursue their long-term career goals. All fellows will also have access to alumni mentors who are currently working in their field of interest.

Eligibility

Students graduating at the end of Autumn Quarter 2017, Winter Quarter 2018, or Spring Quarter 2018 are eligible for the program. The program serves students of all majors and career interests. Employers may set additional eligibility criteria for particular opportunities.

Application Process

The 2018-19 Kimpton Fellows Program Application will open on October 1, 2017 and will be available via this page. Application decisions will be announced by February 1, 2018.

Program Deadlines

All applications to the Kimpton Fellows Program must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CDT on January 5, 2018.

Fellows will be notified of their acceptance into the program by 5:00 p.m. CDT on January 19, 2018.

In late February and early March, resumes and cover letters of the top 2-3 candidates for each position will be forwarded to partner organizations for approval.

Throughout March and April, partner organizations conduct internal hiring process.

Organizations notify Kimpton staff and all candidates of their hiring decisions throughout April and May.

Fellows are welcomed to the Fellowship program and may begin matching with mentors in June.

Frequently Asked Questions
What materials are required to apply to the Kimpton Fellows Program?
More than just a selection tool, our application serves as a way for us to get to know the goals, interests, and skills of accepted Fellows. This makes us better able to match the strengths of our Fellows with the needs and preferences of our partner organizations. As a result, the only required material in addition to the Kimpton Fellows Program application is a resume, which applicants can attach to their application when they apply.

How do Fellows apply to fellowship opportunities?
All Kimpton Fellowship opportunities will be posted in UChicago Handshake. Accepted Fellows are welcome to apply to any fellowships that interest them. All accepted Fellows will be required to submit a resume and cover letter for each fellowship to which they apply. Additional application materials may be required; applicants should read the job description carefully.

How does the hiring process work?

Once fellowship applications are complete, the Kimpton Fellows Program reviews the applications to each fellowship opportunity and determines best fits by matching candidate strengths and interests with employer needs, preferences, and goals. The top candidates for each fellowship are forwarded to the appropriate organization, and the organization then has the opportunity to approve the selection or to request additional candidates. Once the list of candidates is finalized, the organization conducts its own interview and hiring process, which typically concludes in April or May.

When do fellowships begin?
Though exact start dates are determined by employers and Fellows during the hiring process, fellowships begin between June and September.

What happens when the fellowship ends?
The Kimpton Fellows Program is versatile and can serve a wide range of goals, timelines, and needs. In the past, over 60% of Fellows have remained with their employers beyond their fellowship year, but the program is also a great opportunity for students interested in shorter-term substantive experience.

Questions?

For more information about the Kimpton Fellows Program, please contact Ethan Simonds at ewsimonds@uchicago.edu.